Best Divorce Attorneys in Raleigh, North Carolina

When a marriage ends, Raleigh divorce lawyers help sort out the legal and financial pieces. They handle custody schedules, support, and dividing homes and retirement accounts. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation, while others head to trial. The attorneys below practice family law across Raleigh and Wake County.

Listed Raleigh Divorce Lawyers are ranked by one score, applied the same way to every firm. It draws on public signals, including:

  • Client satisfaction and overall online reputation
  • The volume and consistency of client feedback
  • How established the firm is
  • Peer recognition within the legal community and across the web

Rankings are calculated independently from public data. Paid placements don't change a listing's score.

Top-Rated Raleigh Family Law Firms for Custody, Alimony & Asset Division

Screenshot of the The Law Corner Website
211 E Six Forks Rd Suite 106, Raleigh, NC 27609, USA

The Law Corner is a Raleigh divorce mediation and family law firm. It has served families in Wake, Durham, and Johnston counties since 2004.

Founding attorney Brian S. Demidovich is BV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He is also a certified family financial mediator and a collaborative law attorney. After years of litigating domestic cases, he now devotes his practice to mediation and collaboration.

The firm also handles custody, alimony, property division, and prenuptial agreements.

Screenshot of the Breeden Law Office Website
283d Glen Rd, Garner, NC 27529, United States

Breeden Law Office is a Garner family law firm founded in 2000 by attorney Jonathan Breeden. It also has offices in Cary, Wake Forest, Angier, and Smithfield. The team serves clients across Wake, Johnston, and Harnett counties.

The firm takes divorce, custody, and child support cases, including military and high-asset divorces. Adoption, guardianship, and domestic violence matters are also part of the practice. Attorney Breeden has written a free ebook on divorce in North Carolina.

Screenshot of the Marshall & Taylor PLLC Website
305 Church at North Hills St, Suite 1250, Raleigh, NC 27609, USA

Marshall & Taylor PLLC is a Raleigh divorce law firm with a second office in Wilmington. Jeffrey E. Marshall is Board Certified in family law by the North Carolina State Bar.

The firm represents clients in complex and high-net-worth divorces. That work includes property and debt division, alimony, and support enforcement. Couples can settle through mediation, arbitration, or collaborative divorce. The attorneys also draft prenuptial agreements and try contested cases.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of James Tyler Brooks Website
1135 Kildaire Farm Rd # 200, Cary, NC 27511, USA

Law Offices of James Tyler Brooks is a Cary divorce and family law practice serving Wake County. Attorney James T. Brooks practices family law exclusively. He holds an AV Preeminent peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been named to Business North Carolina's Legal Elite.

The practice covers separation agreements, equitable distribution, alimony, custody, and child support. It also drafts premarital and post-marital agreements. Packaged flat-fee services are available for uncontested divorces.

Screenshot of the New Direction Family Law Website
150 Fayetteville St, Suite 500, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

New Direction Family Law is a Raleigh divorce and family lawyer with offices in downtown Raleigh and downtown Smithfield. Its attorneys bring about a century of combined experience.

The firm serves Wake, Johnston, Durham, Orange, Chatham, and Harnett counties. Its work includes complex and business-owner divorces, retirement division, and custody disputes. It also handles alienation of affection claims and domestic violence protective orders. The team hosts the Ex-It Strategy podcast on family law topics.

Screenshot of the Batch, Poore & Williams, PC Website
5540 Centerview Dr, Suite 315, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA

Batch, Poore & Williams, PC is a Raleigh family law counsel minutes from the Wake County Justice Center. Its partners bring more than 70 years of combined experience.

The team includes board-certified specialists in family law and child welfare law. Partner J. Patrick Williams has a background in computer engineering. That helps when dividing stock options and complex pay packages.

Beyond divorce, the firm handles custody, CPS cases, adoptions, appeals, and mediation.

Screenshot of the Charles R. Ullman & Associates Website
109 S Bloodworth St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

Charles R. Ullman & Associates is a Raleigh divorce and family law firm that handles only family law. Charles Ullman is certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a family law specialist.

The firm represents clients in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and across Wake County. Cases include divorce, custody, alimony, asset division, and domestic violence. The website offers free child support and alimony calculators.

Screenshot of the Doyle Law Group, P.A. Website
9051 Strickland Rd, Suite 121, Raleigh, NC 27615, USA

Doyle Law Group, P.A. is a North Raleigh divorce firm that focuses on property division and high-net-worth cases. Founder Glenn S. Doyle is a certified North Carolina family financial mediator.

The firm often works with executives and tech professionals. Their cases can involve stock options, RSUs, and deferred compensation. The attorneys also handle custody, alimony, separation agreements, and alienation of affection. Fee and payment plan details are posted on the firm's website.

Screenshot of the Raleigh Divorce Law Firm Website
8341 Bandford Way STE 1, Raleigh, NC 27615, USA

Raleigh Divorce Law Firm is a Wake County family law practice that has served clients since 2010. Founding attorney Heather W. Forshey is a board-certified family law specialist. She is also a certified family financial mediator and has been selected for Super Lawyers.

The firm handles high-asset and business-owner divorces, as well as trust and inheritance protection. The practice also handles custody, fathers' rights, and grandparents' rights cases. Mediation is available for couples who want to settle out of court.

Screenshot of the Haas & Associates, P.A. Website
5100 Oak Park Rd #200, Raleigh, NC 27612, USA

Haas & Associates, P.A. is a Raleigh family law firm serving traditional and non-traditional families across North Carolina. It has represented LGBTQ+ clients for more than two decades.

The firm handles assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and adoption for families built in many ways. It also takes divorce, custody, property distribution, and prenuptial agreement cases. Estate planning and probate services round out the practice.

Screenshot of the Poole Family Law Website
800 W Williams St Suite 231Q, Apex, NC 27502, USA

Poole Family Law is an Apex divorce law practice that helps clients settle without going to court. Attorney Rebecca A. Poole is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Family Law.

She resolves cases through negotiation, mediation, and collaborative divorce. She is also a certified parenting coordinator. The practice prepares separation agreements and property settlements, along with estate planning documents. Attorney Poole serves clients in Wake, Chatham, Orange, and Durham counties.

Screenshot of the Tortora Family Law Website
620 W Lane St #101, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

Tortora Family Law is a Raleigh divorce legal firm led by board-certified attorney Carrie Tortora. Her accounting background helps with the financial side of divorce.

She handles business valuations, asset division, and support calculations. Clients work directly with her from the first consultation onward. The firm also covers custody, child support, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for families across the Triangle.

Screenshot of the Graber Law Firm, PLLC Website
5 W Hargett St UNIT 507, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

Graber Law Firm, PLLC is a downtown Raleigh family law firm near the Wake County Courthouse. Its core practice areas are divorce, family law, and domestic violence.

The firm handles separation agreements, custody, child support, and equitable distribution. It also takes post-separation support, alimony, and alienation of affection cases. Grandparent and third-party custody rights round out the practice.

Screenshot of the Hopper Law Office Website
8315 Six Forks Rd STE 103, Raleigh, NC 27615, USA

Hopper Law Office is a Raleigh family law practice that has served North Carolina families since 1994. Attorney Kevin P. Hopper is AV Preeminent peer-review rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

He prefers to settle divorce, custody, and support disputes through negotiation or mediation. When a case must go to court, he is an experienced family law trial attorney. The office also handles domestic violence protective orders. It serves Wake, Johnston, Durham, Franklin, and Orange counties.

Screenshot of the Stauff & Gross, PLLC Website
8394 Six Forks Road, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27615, USA

Stauff & Gross, PLLC is a Raleigh divorce and family law firm that has served Wake County families since 2014. Matthew F. Stauff has been selected for Super Lawyers, and Jordan Hardy Gross for Rising Stars.

The firm handles divorce, custody, support, property division, and adoption. It also offers mediation and parenting coordinator services. Domestic violence protective orders and civil no-contact orders are part of the practice.

Screenshot of the Sandlin Family Law Group Website
5617 Departure Dr STE 109, Raleigh, NC 27616, USA

Sandlin Family Law Group is a Raleigh family law firm that has served the Triangle since 2001. The practice focuses only on family law.

Its attorneys include board-certified specialists in family law and appellate practice. They have argued before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court. That makes the firm a fit for appeals and high-stakes custody or property cases. Other services include adoption, parenting coordination, and grandparent visitation.

Screenshot of the Rik Lovett & Associates Website
4048 Barrett Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609, USA

Rik Lovett & Associates is a Raleigh law firm with more than three decades of practice. Rik Lovett is a veteran family law specialist.

The firm negotiates, settles, and litigates custody, support, alimony, and property division cases. It also handles appeals, parental relocation, and alienation-of-affection claims. Business valuations support its work on property division.

Screenshot of the The Mueller Law Firm, P.A. Website
7000 Harps Mill Rd STE 203, Raleigh, NC 27615, USA

The Mueller Law Firm, P.A. is a boutique Raleigh family legal firm founded in 1996. Attorney Len C. Mueller leads a team approach to each case.

The firm handles divorce, custody, alimony, and equitable distribution. It also covers mediation, arbitration, parental relocation, and grandparent rights for clients across the Triangle.

Screenshot of the Parker Bryan Family Law Website
133 Fayetteville Street, Suite 500, Raleigh, NC

Parker Bryan Family Law is a Raleigh family law firm founded in 1982. Founder John Hill Parker had served as a district court judge. Kimberly Bryan joined him in 1996.

The firm has offices in Raleigh, Holly Springs, Fayetteville, Carthage, and Morehead City. Its lawyers handle separation, divorce, custody, spousal support, and property division. Military divorce, mediation, and arbitration are also part of the practice.

Screenshot of the Daphne Edwards Divorce & Family Law, PC Website
401 Harrison Oaks Boulevard, STE 145, Cary, NC 27513

Daphne Edwards Divorce & Family Law, PC is a Cary divorce firm for high-net-worth families across Raleigh and Wake County. Attorney Daphne Edwards holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and Super Lawyers recognition.

She personally handles each case, from asset protection to complex custody disputes. The firm also covers alimony, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in North Carolina?

At least a year of separation. Spouses must live apart for a year and a day before filing for absolute divorce. After that, an uncontested divorce can move quickly. Contested custody or property claims usually take longer.

Do I need to live in North Carolina to file for divorce?

Six months of residency. You or your spouse must have lived in North Carolina for the six months before filing. Raleigh residents file in Wake County District Court.

What happens if I don't file for property division before the divorce?

You may lose the claim. Equitable distribution and alimony claims must be filed before the divorce is granted. If you don't, you can lose both rights for good. That is why many Raleigh attorneys file these claims early in the separation.

How much does a divorce lawyer in Raleigh cost?

Most bill by the hour. Many family law attorneys ask for a retainer and bill their time against it. Some offer flat fees for uncontested divorces. North Carolina ethics rules generally do not allow contingency fees in divorce cases.

Is mediation required for custody cases in Wake County?

Usually, yes. Contested custody and visitation cases in North Carolina generally go through the state's custody mediation program first. A judge can waive it. Property and alimony disputes often go to a separate family financial mediation.

Does adultery affect alimony in North Carolina?

It can. A dependent spouse who had an affair may be barred from receiving alimony. If the supporting spouse had the affair, the court must award alimony to an eligible dependent spouse. North Carolina is also one of the few states that still allows alienation of affection lawsuits.

Types of Divorce and Family Law Cases in Raleigh

Uncontested Divorce. Couples who agree on every issue can finalize a divorce with little court time. A signed separation agreement usually covers property, support, and parenting.

Contested Divorce. When spouses disagree, the case moves through discovery, hearings, and sometimes trial. Wake County judges decide the issues the parties cannot settle.

Child Custody and Visitation. Courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Parents can agree on a parenting plan or ask a judge to set one.

Child Support. North Carolina sets support with statewide guidelines based on both parents' incomes. Health insurance and child care costs also factor in.

Alimony and Post-Separation Support. Post-separation support covers the gap while a case is pending. Alimony is longer-term support based on factors like income, marriage length, and fault.

Equitable Distribution. Marital property is divided fairly, which is not always a 50/50 split. Research Triangle Park employees often have stock options and RSUs that need careful valuation.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements. These contracts set property and support terms before or during a marriage. A well-drafted agreement can simplify a future divorce.

Domestic Violence Protective Orders. Victims can ask Wake County District Court for a protective order, often called a 50B order. These orders can also address temporary custody and possession of the home.

How to Choose a Divorce Attorney in Raleigh

Check for board certification. The North Carolina State Bar certifies specialists in family law. Certification requires an exam and substantial experience in family law.

Ask about Wake County experience. Local attorneys know the court's procedures and its mediation programs. That knowledge can save time and cost.

Match the firm to your assets. A business, a pension, or equity compensation calls for financial skill. Ask who will value those assets and how.

Get the fee terms in writing. Ask about the retainer, the hourly rate, and how costs are billed. Some firms also offer limited-scope help for parts of a case.

Ask how they handle settlement. Some attorneys lean on negotiation and collaborative law. Others focus on trial work, so pick an approach that fits your case.

What Affects the Outcome of a Raleigh Divorce Case

No two divorces end the same way. The size and type of marital assets, each spouse's income, and the length of the marriage all matter. Custody outcomes depend on each parent's role and the child's needs. Filing property and alimony claims on time also protects your options. A Raleigh family law attorney can explain what is realistic for your situation.

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